Professional Proposal Planners?

It's hard to believe how badly off we are after the recession or how serious the gap between the very rich and the middle class when there are businesses out there to help plan marriage proposals.  Apparently it’s not good enough to get down on one knee and pop the question!  No, you go out and hire someone for guidance.  We hear about young people graduating from college with huge debts, struggling to find a job, but there seem to be enough of them to support businesses that help you plan how to make a major production out of what used to be a simple personal interaction.

Beyond that, the average wedding now costs $26,542 – other websites give similar numbers but take care to notice their sponsors and sampling technique.  Even so that seems an awful lot to spend on the heels of a recession when employment security is still low along with retirement savings.  Could all this talk about the middle class disappearing be more hype?  Since the median household income in the United States is just under $50,000 (see blog dated January 9, 2012), this average cost of a wedding represents more than half a year’s earnings spent on a one-day celebration.  Let’s apply some perspective – moderation and distinguishing between wants and needs – and critical thinking – aren't these expenditures going to push the participants even further into debt?  Yikes!